Our racist education system

[vraiblonde]

Every time I hear some public official talk about how our education system is unfair to minorities, I say, "Right on!"  But then they go on to talk about how to dumb down the curriculum and testing to make it fair and I see red.  Because THAT is what's unfair to minorities - assuming they're so stupid they can't work on the same level as whites.

We live in a society that continually tells blacks and other minorities "You're inferior so we must have quota systems.  We must reduce everything to the lowest common denominator so you can succeed as well as whites."  And we all know that's so much patronizing bullsh*t.  No wonder minorities education statistics are lower than whites - they have all these public figures telling them they can't hack it and making excuses for them.

And why should they put out if they don't have to?  So minorities overwhelmingly vote to keep the racists in office and THAT is unfair to all of us, including blacks and hispanics, who want to be judged on our own merit.

[trevor]

That's what infuriates me the most -- liberal leaders (black or white) who consistently fight for affirmative action policies that just seem to always work against the initial struggle. #I'm sensitive to the plight of others who have faced unnecessary struggles, but there is no way someone could tell me when I was teaching 4th grade that not every kid in that class was on a level playing field. #I am the first to admit parents are the keystone to success in our young people, but no child should go undereducated in the USA. #And that's the pathetic part -- it's happening every day as a result of fluffy "educational" philosophies (which is why I'm not longer teaching).

If you haven't read it yet, pick up a copy of Alan Keyes' book, "Masters of the Dream -- the strength and betrayal of black america". #Great book.

Thanks for reading -- I'll think you'll enjoy my education book (if I EVER finish it -- it's been "done" for a year, but while I've been waiting to find an appropriate publisher, half the issues I've predicted already came true -- so now I have to revamp it!!)

Take care --
TB

(Edited by trevor at 4:10 pm on April 3, 2002)

[yornoc]

My sentiments exactly! #My mom WAS an elementary school teacher and gave up (after 15 years) because the system is "out of control".
I heard about Alan Keyes' book but have not checked it out as yet...I guess It's time to check it out.


(Edited by yornoc at 4:43 pm on April 4, 2002)

[ByeBye]

Hello all!

    I would like to clarify one issue here.  I think we ought to be clear if we are making race or class distinctions.  I don't know if our educational system is "racist" but there are certainly class issues.  For a better description and a discussion of standardized testing and race/education related issues, check out the New York Times Sunday Magazine on 4/7/02.  A little verbose, but the author makes some salient points about standardized testing.  A good read!  Especially focus on Mt. Vernon's success story and if this becomes the model, "inequitable" education may be a thing of the past.  Also, keep in mind the implications of an educational system that tries to equalize iniquity in society by suggesting that "educated" people will be paid more.  i.e., the "garbage man" with a Ph.D. making $8/hr, what does this suggest for people pursuing an education for career advancement?

Regards to all!

[trevor]

I don't believe our educational systems are racist...to me that's a term that is thrown around WAY to nonchalantly in society.  There are certainly class differences within our schools, but that is a direct reflection of society.  It's to be expected.  There are a lot of corollary issues surrounding class distinctions in schools, such as School A grading "tougher" on kids than those at School B.  But these differences are not causes of our problems, merely consequences.  These differences, however, would not manifest into more severe problems if the same expectations were required of each and every student.  

When administrators and teachers begin "identifying" reasons (i.e., excuses) for why "some" children can learn and "others" cannot, we fall into a virtual downward spiral of inconsistency within all schools.  Teachers have to be expected to be able to uphold consistent academic and behavioral policies; in reality, however, principals often habitually "victimize" students who they perceive to fall into a particular category.  I've taught homeless children who were B students and perfectly capable kids who were so lazy they got Fs.  Students must make the choices to succeed, and schools must provide for them avenues to make smart decisions.  But until they stop using societal differences as scapegoats for our childrens' weaknesses instead of understanding that inefficencies in decision making are the cause of our school's problems, very little will change and we'll continue to graduate illiterate kids.

TB

[hawkenese]

Trevor has an interesting opinion about what was stated about America's educational system.   I would like to know where he got his statistics from, especially about the asian communities.  I would like to add that the cultural values of asian cultures and european cultures shares similar values in education and religion.  There might be some indirect correlation between the cultural values and beliefs handed down generation after generation and our academic achievements in both socioeconomic american subcultures.  I have yet to read a case study of any sociologist confirming or denying the allegations of similarities between eastern and western cultures that would indicate an indirect correlation.  But test scores are only a scholastic measurement tool.  
My question is: Why would researchers try to accomodate students?
Sounds like a way to improve a business, not an educational institution.  Lowering test scores could create a larger amount of little white kids with higher test scores, as well as little black kids, little hispanic kids, little Indian, and little asian kids?  Come on, we all know what inflated educational test scores mean.

[trevor]

Exactly! #Hence the "dumbing down" of every aspect of our educational systems. #We're not concerned with kids' actual achievement -- we're concerned with giving the IMPRESSION that they are achieving. #Which is why some states (including MD now) are starting to experiment with exit exams in HS. #Well, VA just did it two years ago, and guess what? #7% (that's right, SEVEN) of students passed...so what happens now? #Don't graduate 93% of the seniors, or just lower the bar to make it look like they are learning more? #We know that answer -- it's pathetic -- what good is saying you want a 70% pass rate and when 40% of the kids fail if you're going to say 40% is "acceptable" just so 70% can pass? #(I know, not consistent stats, but it makes the point).

As far as Asians performing well on these tests, it is more explainable b/c they all have the same religion, and likewise, educational, moral, and familial expectations. #That is my point in the article when I say the we SHOULD expect differences between ethnic groups.

Last night, Bill O'Reilly showed the lates census report, and 66% of all black kids are fatherless...and we wonder if there is disconnect between that fact and a lack of achievement in the school?? #

We are too afraid to discuss realistic issues in this country for the fear of 'offending' someone, but the brutal truth is that we will only continue to harm the kids if this continues. #Standardized tests are still an effective measure of student accomplishment, but look at all the debate over eliminating the SAT!! #We're going to get rid of one of the only unbiased predictors of student ability b/c some groups perform more poorly than others. #They have already dumbed the SAT down to where it may no longer be useful in the future. #We are so hellbent on desensitizing everyone and trying to make this country one interesting shade of gray that we shouldn't be surprised if no one is able to think for themselves 20 years from now.

(Edited by trevor at 2:00 pm on April 12, 2002)

[hawkenese]

Trevor might make a point.  Maybe we can  measure how students are doing after graduating high school within the last few years.  We often look to the prestigious Ivy league colleges as role models for all colleges.  A news article I read today about Yale University proposing to felonious drug offenders private financial aid despite federal law denying financial assistance to drug offenders.  Maybe our education system should be reviewed in more detail by the proper agencies.  This link should take you to the ABC news article I have just read.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/yaledrugs020412.html

In a related article, 16 year old Brandy French dies after taking extasy at a concert.  My guess is Yale indirectly condones the sale of drugs to minors.  Should we feel the same way Yale does about future degree-seeking students with prior drug convictions?  The articles were both found at the ABC news website toaday.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/2020/DailyNews/2020_ecstasydeath_020412.html

[missi1013]

I'm not racist, but if the black kids are behind(I'm saying that they are) shouldn't we bring them up in the system, and not bring the system down to them!!  I was reading in the Maryland Indepent that more white parents are starting to teach there kids at home, and the board of ed. can't figure it out. I have 2 little ones and I'm worried about there ed. in Charles county schools.  I think the county needs to be doing more for the kids that can't keep, weather there black, white, or any other color!!!  But that's just my opinion!!

[Christy]

Missi, if you are a stay at home mom, I'd highly recommend you homeschool.  It's not as hard as most people think.